Global Cold Chain News

Ocado takes Iveco gas powered trucks

Tamworth, UK: Online supermarket Ocado has taken on 29 Iveco Stralis NP compressed natural gas trucks in the UK’s largest ever single order. The refuelling infrastructure is provided by Gasrec.

Guest Truck and Van supplied the vehicles. Five will enter service immediately, operating out of Ocado’s Dordon warehouse near Tamworth. The remaining 24 trucks will go into operation later in the year when Ocado’s dedicated natural gas refuelling site is opened by Gasrec at Ocado’s Hatfield site.

Stuart Skingsley of Ocado, says: “We were immediately attracted to the Stralis NP when it was launched as it appeared to be the step change in technology that would drive gas powered trucks to a new place in the market. The demonstrator vehicle received positive feedback from our drivers, and our own experience driving the vehicle was also positive.

“The green credentials of this vehicle are clear, and once we had reviewed the fuel costs against our existing diesel fleet it was clear there was also a cost benefit to running these cleaner, quieter vehicles.”

Ocado has a full repair and maintenance package with Guest Truck and Van throughout the five-year lease period, which will see all servicing work take place within the Iveco network.

Pierre Lahutte, Iveco brand president, says: “Ocado has earned a reputation as an environmentally responsible company and they recognise the expertise Iveco has as the leading technology developer in the natural gas-powered commercial vehicle sector.

“This order could mark a significant turning point for the take-up of natural gas heavy trucks in the UK and is yet more evidence we offer a viable replacement for diesel vehicles right now.”

James Westcott, chief commercial officer, Gasrec, says: “Seeing the first CNG-powered trucks entering the Ocado fleet represents a turning point for the industry, as businesses begin the transition from diesel to a cleaner, quieter and cheaper fuel. The new refuelling station we are building for Ocado is testament to our commitment to helping environmentally conscious companies move to natural gas, through both open-access refuelling stations and the construction of dedicated facilities for larger fleets.”

The Stralis NP is powered by a Cursor 9 Euro VI natural gas engine which doesn’t require any diesel or petrol-derived fuel, and benefits from a maintenance-free and AdBlue-free after-treatment system. It delivers the same output of 400 hp and 1,700 Nm torque as its diesel equivalent, resulting in an excellent power-to-weight ratio, power density and quietness of operation – perfect for Ocado’s operation, where artics typically operate at gross vehicle weights up to 38 tonnes.

Each vehicle emits 50% less NOx emissions, 95% less particulate matter versus Euro VI limits, and 95% less CO2 when using compressed biomethane. They are fitted with eight gas tanks, offering an expected range of up to 600km. This fuel also offers the opportunity for Ocado to reduce its running costs thanks to natural gas being around 30% cheaper than diesel.